I am bothered of late and have hope of giving clarity to a troubled condition in my city of Lewiston and in this majestic state of Maine.

For several months now, Mainers have listened to news and read articles that have created new tensions in a town already economically beleaguered and struggling. The recent attention to new Americans in Lewiston has resulted in a belief that we are plagued by racism against a new people who have come in hopes of pursuing a dream offered by this country. I don’t believe that this portrayal of the situation is accurate or justified, nor is it beneficial to the goal of procuring peace in an amalgamated society.

As of now, I have yet to see or hear anything written or spoken that supports us being a people joined by a common foundation of understanding. Nothing has emerged that will encourage our growth as a society in the midst of struggle.

On all sides, however, I hear people disputing or blaming each other. I have read broad generalizations about how one group of people dislikes another, or about how one set of economically poor is feuding with another set of economically poor for fleeting opportunities.

Racism is a poison seed, which, if nourished by media attention and fueled by well-intentioned but misguided efforts, will grow into a poison tree and its roots will strangle out life. We must understand that any article written or any protest held that does not reach for a higher ground has the potential to give fuel to hate. The printing of such things will create a platform from which the beguiled can speak and bring forth a greater separation of all people.

I understand the intent of individuals wanting to be involved, but we must first understand our reasons. In our desire to become effective, we must be sure not to distort or pervert our intentions. Only in striving for a moral excellence, being first in generosities and, most of all, being consumed by love, can we build a foundation for a better world.

Joshua Brittingham, Lewiston